Christopher Kiess

     Christopher Kiess was born on 10 January 1778 at Möhringen, Oberamt Stuttgart, Neckarkreis, Württemberg.¹ He was the son of Johann Wilhelm Kiess and Sophia Dorothea Auch. Christopher Kiess married Christina Sheets, daughter of Jacob Schiedt and Judith Schädler, circa 1800 at Möhringen, Oberamt Stuttgart, Neckarkreis, Württemberg.² Christopher Kiess died on 26 March 1866 at Blooming Grove, Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, at age 88 years, 2 months and 16 days.¹ He was buried in the Blooming Grove Cemetery, located in Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
     He and Christina Sheets emigrated on 22 October 1806 from Möhringen, Oberamt Stuttgart, Neckarkreis, Württemberg, landing in Philadelphia, at the age of 28. From there they moved to Blooming Grove in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Christopher Kiess was a weaver and school teacher circa 1850. This family is listed as 'Family N' on the Blooming Grove, Stammbaum Wäldchen (Family Tree Little Woods) that was originally printed about 1860 - 1862. The one used for this record is currently in the possession of Frederick and Zella Stablerrrr. The Blooming Grove Historical Socitey also has one on display at their musuem. The beginning reads, "With approximately 20 family trees of families who largely live in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania and who still have living parents at the turn of the century, mostly from Mühringen and Eßlingen in Würtemberg, and who have moved here."

From 'Blooming Grove - A History of the Congregation of German Dunkers who settled in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, 1805, Together with the origin of the German Baptist Church in America, 1840,' by Joseph H. McMinn, (Williamsport, PA: n.pub., 1901).

Christopher Kiess, of the 1806 party, born January 10, 1778, died March 26, 1866. Married Christina Sheets.

Children: Margaret, born September 2, 1801, died in Ohio January 22, 1855, married George Kurtz, also Abraham Eckert; Abraham, born September 12, 1802,died February 22, 1881, married Catharine Waltz; Christopher, born December 20, 1803, died January 4, 1806; Catharine born October 24, 1805, died near Burynes, O., October, 1888; William, born February 28, 1808, died March 188_, married Margaret Rote; Dorothea, born October 8, 1809,died August 14, 1885; Jacob, born August 6, 1811, died May 30, 1882, married Catharine Rote; Salome, born September 6, 1813, died November 19, 1862; Sophia, born September 3, 1816,died December, 1899, married George Rote; Emanuel, born July 8, 1818, died January 30,1895, married Carlotta Sigman; Christina, born July 26, married Samuel Entz.

Christopher Kiess had a wealthy friend named Saypold, in Baltimore, who frequently invited a visit from him. Finally he walked all the way to see his friend, but found that he had died. The family presented him with a horse and saddle to ride home. This was one of the first, if not the first horse in the settlement. They also gave him some 'mint sticks' for the children, which were the first they had ever seen.

From 'History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania', by John F. Meginness ed., (1990 edition, prepared by Lycoming County Historical Society; Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1892), pages 1193 and 1194.

Christopher Kiess a weaver and school teacher was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany 1778. He grew to manhood in his native land, obtained a good education and learned the weavers trade. He there married Christina Sheets who bore him four children before the immigrated to America as follows: Margaret, wife of Mr. Kurtz and later a Mr. Eckert; Abraham, who married Catherine Waltz; Chistopher, who died in infancy; and Catherine, who never married. In 1806 the family came to America and settled on a farm near Warrensville in Eldred Township. Seven children were born after their settlement in Lycoming County, William, married Margaret Rote; Jacob, married Catharine Rote; Emmanuel, married Charlotta Seigman; Christina, married Samuel Entz; Sophia, married George Rote; Salome and Dorothy, who never married.

Mr. Kiess purchased 150 acres of land from Daniel Bailey, it was covered with an unbroken forest in the midst of which he built his cabin and began making for himself a home in the new world. He resided on this farm until his death March 26, 1866. In connection with farming he did considerable weaving for the pioneers and thus made an occasional dollar. He also taught school in German in his neighborhood for many years. He was a member of the Dunkard Church and always voted the Democratic ticket. In partnership with his brother George and a Mr. Waltz, they purchased a tract of land of 900 acres in Anthony Township and divided it into three equal parts.